The invention of Appalachia
By: Allen W. Batteau.
Series: The Anthropology of form and meaning
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
Published: 1990
Place of publication: Tucson, Ariz
Language: eng
Number of pages: 239
Subjects: Ethnicity -- Appalachian Region -- Public opinion.; Public opinion -- United States.; Stereotype (Psychology) -- Appalachian Region.; Regionalism -- Appalachian Region.
Description: Batteau argues that the negative stereotypes of Appalachia have often masked its better regional qualities and distinctions, and in fact have worked to create a social boundary based on superiority over mountain people. In turn, this stereotype allows the marketing of local resources for outside profits. Recently, the "bad" images have been played upon in popular culture to project a notion of wilderness innocence and a renaissance in the perspective of the invented Appalachian "difference."
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [209]-221) and index.